Are there tips for being able to do Focusing alone? Read on…
A Reader writes:
I’ve taken a course in Focusing with a Focusing partner, and that was great, but I really want to be able to do Focusing alone. When I try, I find that I lose concentration and start to think about everything else I need to do.
Dear Reader:
Most people find that Focusing is easier with a Focusing partner, for the very reason you state: that without someone there listening, it’s easy to drift away into thoughts and distractions.
So my tip would be to look for ways to support yourself in staying with the process. My favorite tip for solo Focusing is to speak out loud while you are doing it, even if no one is there listening. (After all, you are there!)
Speak out loud the kinds of things you would say to a Focusing partner, like:
“I’m sensing into my body for what needs attention.”
And: “I’m just going to take some time to feel this and describe it.”
Then also say the descriptions out loud, like: “It’s a heavy, pressured feeling in my chest.”
A related tip for Focusing alone would be to write short sentences for the descriptions of what you’re feeling, or to draw little pictures.
All of these methods can help you stay with the process instead of drifting away.
As it happens, I have a whole on-demand course on Focusing Alone, and you can find out more about it here.
